‘The group is keen to right the wrongs’:
If the Warriors are going to finally break out of their win-loss cycle, now is the time to strike.
Tonight’s clash against the Cowboys in Townsville marks the beginning of a crucial period as they look to solidify their place in the top four.
All their next four opponents – Sharks (home), Panthers (away), Broncos (away) and Storm (home) – sit inside the top eight. And it remains to be seen how just heavily the team will be affected by next week’s international window, which of course includes the Kiwis’ taxing trip to Denver.
The match against the 14th- placed Cowboys shapes as a game the Warriors should win. They won’t lack for confidence following last week’s big win over Manly and could be boosted by the return of Roger TuivasaSheck.
But it is never that straightforward in the NRL. The Warriors, who haven’t had consecutive victories since the round-five win over the Cowboys more than two months ago, will have to overcome a terrible record in Townsville, where they have lost 11 of their last 12 matches.
As disappointing as the Cowboys have been this season, you can never write off a team with the star power of Johnathan Thurston, Jason Taumalolo and Michael Morgan. They have a ros- ter that can turn it on at any moment and with their finals hopes hanging by a thread, will be targeting this game to revive their campaign.
The Auckland club has not fared well against teams they have played previously this season, suffering heavy losses in return matches against the Roosters and Rabbitohs.
‘‘That’s one thing we spoke about over our break, coming up against opposition we’ve played earlier and them putting up a scoreline on us,’’ lock Adam Blair said.
‘‘The key is preparation and making sure we’re focused. The group is keen to right the wrongs and do things better this time.’’
Blair is determined to lead